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EP2778494A1 - Female quick-connection element and quick connection including such a female element - Google Patents

Female quick-connection element and quick connection including such a female element Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2778494A1
EP2778494A1 EP14158815.2A EP14158815A EP2778494A1 EP 2778494 A1 EP2778494 A1 EP 2778494A1 EP 14158815 A EP14158815 A EP 14158815A EP 2778494 A1 EP2778494 A1 EP 2778494A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
female
piston
locking
ring
housing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP14158815.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2778494B1 (en
Inventor
Alain-Christophe Tiberghien
Antoine Chambaud
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Staubli Faverges SCA
Original Assignee
Staubli Faverges SCA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Staubli Faverges SCA filed Critical Staubli Faverges SCA
Publication of EP2778494A1 publication Critical patent/EP2778494A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2778494B1 publication Critical patent/EP2778494B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
    • F16L37/28—Couplings of the quick-acting type with fluid cut-off means
    • F16L37/38—Couplings of the quick-acting type with fluid cut-off means with fluid cut-off means in only one of the two pipe-end fittings
    • F16L37/46—Couplings of the quick-acting type with fluid cut-off means with fluid cut-off means in only one of the two pipe-end fittings with a gate valve or sliding valve
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
    • F16L37/08—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members
    • F16L37/12—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members using hooks, pawls or other movable or insertable locking members
    • F16L37/138—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members using hooks, pawls or other movable or insertable locking members using an axially movable sleeve
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
    • F16L37/08—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members
    • F16L37/084—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking
    • F16L37/0841—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking by means of a transversally slidable locking member surrounding the tube
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
    • F16L37/08—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members
    • F16L37/084—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking
    • F16L37/086—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking by means of latching members pushed radially by spring-like elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
    • F16L37/08—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members
    • F16L37/12—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members using hooks, pawls or other movable or insertable locking members
    • F16L37/14—Joints secured by inserting between mating surfaces an element, e.g. a piece of wire, a pin, a chain
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
    • F16L37/22—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection is maintained by means of balls, rollers or helical springs under radial pressure between the parts
    • F16L37/23—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection is maintained by means of balls, rollers or helical springs under radial pressure between the parts by means of balls
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
    • F16L37/28—Couplings of the quick-acting type with fluid cut-off means
    • F16L37/38—Couplings of the quick-acting type with fluid cut-off means with fluid cut-off means in only one of the two pipe-end fittings
    • F16L37/40—Couplings of the quick-acting type with fluid cut-off means with fluid cut-off means in only one of the two pipe-end fittings with a lift valve being opened automatically when the coupling is applied
    • F16L37/42—Couplings of the quick-acting type with fluid cut-off means with fluid cut-off means in only one of the two pipe-end fittings with a lift valve being opened automatically when the coupling is applied the valve having an axial bore communicating with lateral apertures
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/7722—Line condition change responsive valves
    • Y10T137/7837—Direct response valves [i.e., check valve type]
    • Y10T137/7854—In couplings for coaxial conduits, e.g., drill pipe check valves
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/7722—Line condition change responsive valves
    • Y10T137/7837—Direct response valves [i.e., check valve type]
    • Y10T137/7854—In couplings for coaxial conduits, e.g., drill pipe check valves
    • Y10T137/7856—Valve seat formed on or carried by a coupling element

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a female quick coupling element for joining two pipes of pressurized fluid.
  • the invention also relates to a quick coupling comprising such a female element.
  • This type of construction has several disadvantages. Due to the small space available for the spring in the piston housing, it is difficult to guarantee a substantially constant return force on the compression stroke of the spring. This disadvantage is problematic when the blocking and unblocking pressures must be equivalent. In addition, when the piston blocks the locking ring, if the operator tries to actuate the locking ring, the piston is biased in bending, which can cause a leak in the sealing of the piston because of its low length.
  • the invention relates to a female quick coupling element, for joining two pipes of fluid under pressure, this female connector element being able to cooperate, along a longitudinal axis of the female element, with a male element.
  • the female coupling member comprising a body traversed by a fluid flow conduit, at least one movable locking member between a locking position of the male element relative to the body of the female coupling member in a coupled configuration of the coupling, and an unlocking position, in which the female and male coupling elements can be uncoupled, a control ring movable in translation along the longitudinal axis between a first position in which each locking member is maintained in its locking position, and a second position, in which each locking member is adapted to disengage locating in its unlocked position, a piston comprising an active surface in fluidic contact with said conduit and being able to move in a sealed manner in a housing passing through the body in a transverse direction from the fluid circulation duct towards the outside of the body, the piston extending from the active surface opposite
  • This female coupling element is characterized in that the elastic return element is mounted in a housing of the body of the female connecting element located outside the piston housing, the housing of the elastic return element being fluidly isolated from the fluid flow conduit, and in that the female coupling member comprises transmission means, disposed between the return member and the piston, for biasing the piston towards its internal position.
  • the return element since the return element is not housed in the piston housing, it can benefit from a greater stroke, which allows better control of the piston return forces.
  • the invention also relates to a quick coupling for the joining of two pipes of pressurized fluid, comprising a female element as described above and a male element of complementary connection.
  • the quick coupling R shown on the Figures 2 to 8 comprises a first element shaped as a female element A, represented alone at figure 1 , and a second element shaped as an element or a male end B, designed to slide into one another in the direction of an axis XX 'which is, in practice, a longitudinal axis of the element A, common to each other. to elements A and B being mated or coupled.
  • the rear part of the female element A is fluidly connected to a pipe (not shown) which can be connected to a source of fluid under pressure, not shown, in particular a source of gas such as LPG or hydrogen, for example at a pressure of the order of 800 bars.
  • An unrepresented control valve connected between the female element A and the fluid source to which the female element A is connected, is adapted to control the flow of fluid to the female element A.
  • the rear part of the male element B is connected to a second pipe, not shown, which can be connected to a member for using or storing the fluid coming from the aforementioned source.
  • a not shown valve is adapted to open and close the passage between the male element B and the use member or storage.
  • the pipe connected to the rear part of the male element B can be connected to a tank on board a motor vehicle.
  • the male element B comprises a tubular body 11 which defines a channel 12 for circulating fluid under pressure. On its outer peripheral surface 13, the body 11 is provided with a circumferential groove 15 of revolution with a flat bottom and frustoconical edges.
  • the tubular body 11 is also provided, on an inner radial surface 17, and in the vicinity of a front face 18, a peripheral groove 19 of revolution, in which is received an O-ring 20 of elastomer.
  • the female member A comprises a main tubular body 40, defining an insertion channel 42 on the front side of the female member A, and wherein the male member B is adapted to be inserted.
  • the insertion channel 42 is extended by a bore 44 towards the rear of the female element A, then by an intermediate chamber 46, and finally by a rear channel 48 located at the rear of the female element A.
  • the female element A comprises a valve 50, a front portion of which comprises a frustoconical front edge 502 adapted to come into contact with the O-ring 20 during the insertion of the male element B into the female element A.
  • the valve 50 also comprises a central sleeve 504 which is mounted in the bore 44 so as to slide along the axis X-X '.
  • the valve 50 comprises a channel 506 which opens towards the front in the vicinity of the frustoconical edge 502 and towards the rear by holes 508 directed perpendicularly to the axis X-X '.
  • the valve 50 also has a rear circular stop 510 adapted to come into contact with a seat 52 of the body 40, located in the intermediate chamber 46.
  • valve 50 In the uncoupled configuration of the connection R, shown in FIG. figure 1 , and in which the male element B is not inserted into the female element A, the valve 50 is pushed back by a spring 54 into a closed position, in which the stop 510 bears against the seat 52. In this position, the holes 508 of the valve 50 open into the bore 44. An O-ring 56 placed in the bore 44 and cooperating with the valve 50 behind the holes 508 prevents the flow of fluid from the intermediate chamber 46 to the outside of the female element A.
  • the front portion of the body 40 has housings 58 formed by cylindrical holes of circular section oriented perpendicularly to the axis X-X '.
  • Locking balls 60 are mounted in the housings 58.
  • the balls 60 protrude into the insertion channel 42 so as to engage in the groove 15 of the male element B and to lock it in a coupled configuration in the female element A.
  • the locking balls 60 are held in the insertion channel 42 under the action of a protruding portion 92 of a cylindrical locking ring 90 of circular section mounted on the outer side of the body 40 with the possibility of sliding according to the X-X 'axis.
  • the protruding portion 92 projects radially towards the axis XX 'so as to push the balls 60 in the direction of the axis X-X'.
  • the locking ring 90 is in the front locking position or first position, and the balls 60 protrude into the insertion channel 42 and hold the male element B fitted into the female element A. In its forward position, the locking ring 90 blocks each of the locking balls 60 in a locking position of the male element B in the female element A in the coupled position.
  • the locking ring 90 To disconnect the male element B from the female element A, the locking ring 90 must be pulled back by an operator. In its rear position or second position, which corresponds to its so-called release position, the locking ring 90 does not oppose an external radial displacement of each of the locking balls 60 to an unlocking position in which the balls 60 no longer project into the insertion channel 42 and the male B and female A elements can be uncoupled.
  • the uncoupling operation must be performed when the pressure of the fluid flowing in the fluid circulation channel is less than a preset safety pressure, for example equal to 10 bar. This ensures that the Disconnecting the coupling will not produce a whiplash effect when the operator disconnects the male element B from the female element A.
  • the female member A comprises a locking member of the locking ring 90 in its forward position.
  • the position of the locking member is controlled by the fluid pressure in the fluid circulation duct 400, so that the locking member prevents the rearward translation of the locking ring 90 when the fluid pressure in the duct 400 is greater than the safety pressure.
  • the locking member is a closed locking ring 100 mounted around the body 40.
  • the locking ring 100 is rigid, that is to say that it does not deform under the conditions of use, in particular
  • the locking ring 100 is sufficiently rigid so as not to deform under the effect of an axial force exerted by the locking ring 90 actuated normally by an operator.
  • the locking ring 100 is centered around a longitudinal axis X100 which coincides with the axis XX 'in the configuration of the Figures 1 to 3 and 5 .
  • the locking ring 100 is housed in a peripheral guide groove 62 of the body 40, which is formed in an outer surface 402 of the body 40.
  • the groove 62 guides the locking ring 100 in a transverse direction YY 'of the female element A, perpendicular to the axis X-X '.
  • the outer diameter of the ring 100 is less than or equal to the diameter of the outer surface 402 around which the locking ring 90 slides between its forward position and its rear position.
  • the position of the locking ring 100 is controlled according to the pressure of the fluid in the conduit 400 by means of a piston 120 mounted sealingly in a bore 64 of the body 40, which forms the housing of the piston 120.
  • the housing 64 is centered around the direction YY 'perpendicular to the axis XX' and passes through the body 40 from the rear channel 48 towards the outside of the body 40 of the female element A.
  • the housing 64 opens into the groove 62
  • the piston 120 comprises a terminal collar 121 of diameter equivalent to the diameter of the bore 64.
  • the collar 121 forms an active surface 122 situated on the side of the rear channel 48, and on which the pressure of the fluid present in the rear channel 48 is exerts, in the form of a force Fp.
  • the active surface 122 is permanently in fluidic contact with the rear channel 48.
  • a seal 123 disposed in a groove of the collar 121 and cooperating with the bore 64 seals between the rear channel 48 and the outside of the the connecting member A at the bore 64.
  • the piston 120 extends towards the outer surface 402 from the active surface 122 opposite the conduit 400.
  • the piston 120 is also mechanically connected to the locking ring 100, to which it transmits the force Fp.
  • the piston 120 comprises a curvilinear outer surface 124 which transmits the force Fp to the locking ring 100, by cooperating with an inner cylindrical surface 102 of the locking ring 100.
  • Curvilinear surface defines a surface which may be in a section of a cylinder or sphere and having a generatrix in an arc definable by its radius of curvature.
  • the radius of curvature of the curvilinear surface 124 is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the surface 102.
  • the female element A comprises at least one return element adapted to push the locking ring 100 and the piston 120 towards a position of unblocking, represented in Figures 1 to 3 and 5 in which the locking ring 100 does not protrude radially from the outer surface 402 and thus does not block the rearward movement of the locking ring 90.
  • the biasing element is a spiral spring 140 bearing in a housing 66 of the body 40.
  • the longitudinal axis of the spiral compression spring 140 and the longitudinal axis X66 of the bore forming the housing 66 are mutually parallel, preferably coaxial and coincident with the direction YY '.
  • the housing 66 is located outside the housing 64 of the piston 120, that is to say the housing 66 does not open on the housing 64 and does not communicate fluidly with the housing 64.
  • the housing 66 is formed in the body 40 to the opposite , along axis X-X ', housing 64 relative to the rear channel 48.
  • This construction makes available a housing of greater length for the spring 140, which allows for a stroke of the piston 120 equivalent to that of a connection of the state of the art, to obtain a ratio between the stroke of the piston 120 and the length of the housing 66 of the spiral spring 140 less than that of the connection of the state of the art.
  • This allows a better control of the return forces of the locking ring 100, without penalizing the radial size of the connection, compared to known materials.
  • the housing 66 opens out of the body 40 but does not open into the rear channel 48.
  • the female element A comprises a pusher 142, in which the spiral spring 140 is housed and which is movably mounted in the housing 66.
  • the pusher 142 transmits, between the spring 140 and the locking ring 100, a biasing force F140 exerted by the spring 140.
  • the pusher 142 is in contact with the inner cylindrical surface 102 of the locking ring 100 to transmit the force F140.
  • a curvilinear outer surface 144 of the pusher 142 is in contact with the cylindrical inner surface 102 of the locking ring 100.
  • the radius of curvature of the curvilinear surface 144 is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the inner cylindrical surface 102.
  • the locking ring 100 Being in contact simultaneously with the curvilinear outer surface 124 of the piston and with the curvilinear outer surface 144 of the pusher 142, the locking ring 100 is thus integral in its transverse movement in the Y-Y 'direction of the movement of the piston 120.
  • the locking ring 100 forms a transmission means, between the spring 140 and the piston 120, the return force F140.
  • the locking ring 100 makes it possible to push the piston 120 elastically against the pressing force Fp.
  • the locking ring 100 being mounted around the body 40, it avoids the use of a force transmission means between the piston 120 and the spring 140 which passes through the rear channel 48. The locking ring 100 thus avoids disturbances in the fluid flow, and reduces the number of seals required to isolate the spring 140 of the flow conduit 400.
  • the locking ring 100 is of rectangular toroidal section and has a front axial side surface 104 adapted to receive a bearing against a rear axial surface 94 of the locking ring 90.
  • the use of a ring-type locking member enables to limit the radial size of the female element A.
  • the locking ring 90 is pushed by a spring 88 towards its forward position, abutting against an outer front shoulder 41 of the body 40.
  • the operation of the quick coupling R is as follows: In the uncoupled configuration of the coupling R shown in FIG. figure 1 , the locking ring 100 is in an unlocking position, in which the lateral surface 104 does not block the rearward movement of the locking ring 90. Indeed, in this case, the pressure of the fluid in the conduit 400 shut off by the valve 50 is less than the safety pressure.
  • the piston 120 is thus pushed into its housing 64 by the force F140 exerted on the locking ring 100 so that the lateral surface 104 is not facing, in a direction parallel to the axis X-X ', the axial surface 94. In this internal position, the active surface 122 of the piston 120 is in abutment against a shoulder 65 of the housing 64, which limits the stroke of the piston 120 towards the rear channel 48.
  • the locking ring 90 When the male element B is engaged in the female element A, the locking ring 90 is moved backwards along the arrow F1 by the operator so that the locking balls 60 are radially pushed by the tubular body 11 of the male element B in unlocking position to a front portion 95 of the locking ring 90, whose inner diameter is greater than that of the protruding portion 92.
  • This configuration of the locking ring 90 is shown in FIG. figure 2 .
  • the valve 50 is pushed back against the action of the spring 54.
  • the locking balls 60 are radially at the level of the peripheral groove 15 and engage, under the action of the locking ring 90 which is pushed back to its forward position by the spring 88, at the moment the operator releases its action on the locking ring 90
  • the balls 60 are pushed towards the axis XX 'by the protruding part 92 and held in the groove 15 in the locking position, which locks the male element B in the body 40 of the female element A along the longitudinal axis XX 'by preventing its withdrawal from the female element A.
  • the fluid supply of the female element A is activated by means of the control valve.
  • the pressurized fluid, of the order of 800 bars, coming from the pipe connected to the female element A arrives in the fluid circulation duct 400 and flows through the holes 508 which communicate with the rear channel 48, through the channel 506 and through the channel 12.
  • the pressure in the rear channel 48 increases beyond the safety pressure and is exerted on the active surface 122.
  • the active surface 122 is therefore pushed in the direction YY ' outwardly in the housing 64 and the piston 120 is then moved from its internal position of Figures 1 to 3 and 5 according to the arrow F2 towards its external position of figures 4 and 6 , in which it is no longer in contact with the shoulder 65, against the force F140 exerted on the locking ring 100.
  • the locking ring 100 is also moved in the direction YY 'along the arrow F2, to a locking position where the ring 100 radially exceeds the outer radial surface 402 and in which the lateral surface 104 partially faces, in a direction D100 parallel to the axis X-X ', to the rear axial surface 94.
  • the piston 120 is held by the force Fp abutting against a shoulder 64a of dwelling 64.
  • the locking ring 90 can not be moved backwards to release the locking balls 60 and disconnect the male element B from the female element A, since the lateral surface 104 of the locking ring 100 forms an obstacle the displacement of the locking ring 90 along the axis XX 'to its release position cooperating with the rear axial surface 94.
  • the support between the lateral surface 104 and the rear axial surface 94 is on a surface of crescent-shaped contact, which avoids the risk of marking parts, like this is the case for the fittings in which the locking ring is locked in translation by the piston along a line of contact.
  • the piston 120 is therefore permanently subjected to the pressure differential on either side of the seal 123, that is to say to the pressure of the fluid in the channel 48 and at the atmospheric pressure of the air at the outside of the fitting and the F140 elastic return force.
  • the biasing force F140 is sized according to the value of the safety pressure, so that for a pressure in the rear channel 48 below the safety pressure, the piston 120 is automatically recalled and maintained in its internal position. under the elastic force F140, and a pressure in the inner channel 48 which is greater than the safety pressure places the piston 120 in the outer position, against the elastic force F140.
  • the force Fp exerted by the fluid in the channel 48 on the active surface 122 then becomes greater than the force F140, the pressure forces of the outside air on the piston 120 and the grip and friction forces of the piston 120 in his dwelling 64.
  • connection of the connection R In the case where, in uncoupled configuration, the pressure of the fluid existing in the rear channel 48 closed by the valve 50 is greater than the safety pressure, the connection of the connection R must be prevented for safety reasons.
  • the piston 120 moved in the external position under the action of the force Fp, pushes and holds the locking ring 100 in its locking position. The translation towards the rear of the locking ring 90 is therefore impossible.
  • the locking balls 60 can not therefore to be pushed away from the axis XX 'during the insertion of the male element B into the female element A.
  • the connection R can not be connected.
  • the locking ring 90 has a rear tubular wall 96 extending rearwardly of the female member A beyond the axial surface 94.
  • the rear tubular wall 96 covers the groove 62 and a rear outer shoulder 53 of the body 40 in each of the configurations of the female element A during the operation of the connection R.
  • the rear tubular wall 96 thus provides a protection of the locking ring 100 and the piston 120 vis-à-vis external pollution which could in particular disrupting the sliding of the piston 120.
  • the locking ring 90 forms a control ring, because its movement controls the release of the locking balls 60 for coupling and uncoupling of the coupling.
  • the connecting female element A may not include a pusher 142.
  • the spring 140 acts directly on the locking ring 100, which may comprise effect a flat perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spring 140.
  • a second embodiment of the invention is shown on the figure 7 .
  • This embodiment differs from the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 6 in that the locking members of the male element B in the female element A are not balls 60 but fingers 70 housed in cylindrical housings 72 of the body 40 inclined relative to the axis XX 'and inclined with respect to a radial direction at the X-X 'axis.
  • One end of the fingers 70 located on the side of the axis XX ' is adapted to engage in the groove 15 of a male element B in coupled configuration of the connector R.
  • the female element A comprises an outer ring 150 which surrounds a internal ring 160 in which are partially housed the fingers 70 and which also covers the groove 62 and the outer rear shoulder 53 to protect the locking ring 100 and the piston 120 against external pollution in all the positions of the outer ring 150 during operation.
  • the operation of the fingers 70 and the elements that interact between the inner ring 160 and the fingers 70 are described in the patent. EP-B-1 862 720 .
  • the outer ring 150 is moved backwards by a first position, illustrated in FIG.
  • FIG 7 in which the fingers 70 are held between the male element B and the cylindrical housings 72 in the locking position with the inner ring 160 in the forward position, up to a second position not shown, wherein the outer ring 150 has driven the inner ring 160 in the rear position, and thus the fingers 70 in the unlocked position.
  • the inner ring 160 is locked in translation backwards in its forward position by the locking ring 100 which opposes a rear axial surface 161 of the inner ring 160. which prevents connection and disconnection when the fluid pressure in the rear channel 48 is greater than the safety pressure.
  • the inner ring 160 acts as a control ring to the extent that the movement of the inner ring 160 rearwardly controls the coupling and uncoupling of the coupling.
  • the outer ring 150 can be locked in translation in its first forward position by the locking ring 100 in place of the inner ring 160, which prevents disconnection under a pressure greater than the safety pressure.
  • the outer ring 150 acts as a control ring to the extent that the displacement of the outer ring 150 to the rear controls the uncoupling of the connector.
  • the purpose of the invention is therefore to block the movement of a control ring of the coupling element when this movement allows the coupling to be disconnected even if this control ring does not cooperate directly with the locking members in the locked position. and / or in the unlocking position.
  • the locking member forms an obstacle to the displacement of the control ring, on its uncoupling stroke, between its first position and its second position, so that the locking members can not reach their unlocking position. in this case, a certain stroke towards its second position is authorized at the control ring, this stroke being insufficient to release the locking members and allow the coupling to be uncoupled.
  • the locking members of the male element B in the female element A may also be locking claws, or spherical fingers according to EP-B-2 278 205 .
  • a third embodiment of the invention is shown on the figure 8 .
  • This embodiment differs from the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 6 in that the female element A does not in this case comprise a locking ring 100.
  • a transmission rod 126 passes through the rear channel 48 in the direction YY 'and ends in the housing 66 by an end washer 128.
  • the rod 126 extends to the center of the active surface 122.
  • the end washer 128 has a diameter equivalent to the diameter of the housing 66.
  • the spring 140 bearing in the housing 66, is supported on the end washer 128 to exert the biasing force F140.
  • the housing 66 is here connected to the rear channel 48 by a cylindrical mouth 67, and the sealing of the housing 66 with respect to the rear channel 48 is provided by an O-ring 68 disposed between the mouth 67 and the rod 126.
  • the locking member is formed by the piston 120, an outer end 130 which protrudes radially outside the body 40, when the piston 120 is moved and held in the external position by the fluid pressure.
  • the piston 120 in the circulation duct of the female element A, opposes the translation towards the rear of the locking ring 90.
  • the contact between the piston 120 and the ring 90 is in a nip .
  • the piston 120 may have a lateral surface for surface contact with the ring 90.
  • the transmission rod 126 and the transmission washer 128 has a length greater than that of the piston 120 alone in the Y-Y 'direction, the bending force generated by possible forces of the locking ring 90 backward on the piston 120 in the outer position is reduced.
  • the linear guide of the piston 120 is improved, which reduces the risk of leakage between the piston 120 and the body 40 at the seal 123.
  • the piston traversing the rear channel 48 described in FIG. figure 8 can be associated with a locking ring similar to the locking ring 100, mounted outside the body 40 and adapted to ensure the locking of the locking ring 90.
  • the locking ring does not provide not the transmission of the biasing force F140 between the spring 140 and the piston 120, since the spring 140 rests on the washer 128 but is able to ensure a surface-type locking of the locking ring to prevent its maneuver from uncoupling.
  • the movement of the locking ring 100 is integral with the movement of the piston 120 in the direction YY 'radial clearance near.
  • the female element A may comprise a plurality of return springs each disposed in a housing of the sealed body of the flow conduit 400.
  • the housing of these springs are preferably parallel to the housing of the piston 120 so as to ensure return forces parallel to the pressure force Fp exerted on the piston 120.
  • the means for transmitting the return force between the springs and the piston 120 may comprise a U-shaped piece disposed around the body 40 and sufficiently rigid to transmit the biasing force F140 to the piston 120 and the blocking member may be constituted by an outer end of the piston 120.
  • the female element A may include two springs each exerting a force on one of the branches of the U, while the return force is transmitted to the piston in contact with the rounded central part of the U.
  • pistons such as the piston 120 can act on a single ring-type locking member.
  • the return spring 140 of the piston 120 in the internal position is disposed integrally in a housing 66 which is fluidly isolated from the fluid circulation conduit 400, which ensures that the behavior of the spring 140 is not disturbed by the flow and by the pressure of the fluid in the coupling element, and thus makes reliable the detection of a safety pressure.
  • the movement of the control ring which causes the unlocking of the connection can be made from the rear towards the front, instead of being carried forward to the 'back.
  • the first position of the control ring is a rear position, while the second position is a front position.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)

Abstract

The element (A) has a body through which a fluid-flow conduit passes. A piston (120) has an active surface (122) in fluid contact with the conduit. The piston moves from an internal position to an external position. A spiral compression spring (140) is mounted in housing of the body situated outside a housing (64) of the piston. The housing of the element is fluidically isolated from the conduit. A transmission unit formed by a closed blocking ring (100), and a transmission rod is placed between the spring and the piston for returning the piston to the internal position.

Description

L'invention concerne un élément femelle de raccord rapide pour la jonction de deux canalisations de fluide sous pression. L'invention concerne également un raccord rapide comprenant un tel élément femelle.The invention relates to a female quick coupling element for joining two pipes of pressurized fluid. The invention also relates to a quick coupling comprising such a female element.

Dans le domaine des raccords de fluide sous haute pression, notamment adaptés au transfert d'hydrogène, pour lequel la pression du fluide peut avoisiner les 800 bars, il est connu de sécuriser le raccord en empêchant la déconnexion d'un élément mâle et d'un élément femelle lorsque la pression du fluide est trop importante. En effet, le coup de fouet qui peut survenir lorsque la pression est importante, lors de la déconnexion, est dangereux pour l'opérateur qui manipule le raccord.In the field of high-pressure fluid connections, particularly adapted to hydrogen transfer, for which the pressure of the fluid may be around 800 bar, it is known to secure the connection by preventing the disconnection of a male element and a female element when the pressure of the fluid is too great. Indeed, the whiplash can occur when the pressure is important, when disconnecting, is dangerous for the operator who handles the connection.

Pour ce faire, il est connu, notamment de EP-A-1 745 237 , d'utiliser un piston radialement déplacé par la pression du fluide circulant dans le raccord vers une position de blocage, dans laquelle une bague de verrouillage est bloquée en position verrouillée. Lorsque la bague de verrouillage est en position avant de verrouillage, et que l'élément mâle est verrouillé en position accouplée dans l'élément femelle, par exemple à l'aide de billes de verrouillage, le déverrouillage du raccord est impossible, car une tige du piston faisant saillie en dehors du corps de l'élément femelle empêche le mouvement de la bague de verrouillage vers sa position de déverrouillage. Lorsque la pression du fluide circulant dans le raccord diminue en dessous d'un niveau de pression prédéterminé, un ressort monté dans le même logement que le piston rétracte le piston pour que la bague de verrouillage puisse être à nouveau déplacée en position de déverrouillage, et que le raccord puisse être désaccouplé sans danger pour l'opérateur.To do this, it is known, particularly EP-A-1 745 237 , using a piston radially displaced by the pressure of the fluid flowing in the connector to a locking position, in which a locking ring is locked in the locked position. When the locking ring is in the position before locking, and the male element is locked in the coupled position in the female element, for example by means of locking balls, the unlocking of the connection is impossible, because a rod the piston projecting out of the body of the female element prevents the movement of the locking ring towards its unlocking position. When the pressure of the fluid flowing in the fitting decreases below a predetermined pressure level, a spring mounted in the same housing as the piston retracts the piston so that the locking ring can be moved again to the unlocked position, and the connection can be disconnected without danger to the operator.

Des dispositifs similaires, dans lesquels un ressort est monté dans le même logement que le piston, sont également connus de US-A-2009/243286 et US-A-2013/174928 .Similar devices, in which a spring is mounted in the same housing as the piston, are also known from US-2009/243286 and US-2013/174928 .

Ce type de construction présente plusieurs inconvénients. Du fait du faible espace disponible pour le ressort dans le logement du piston, il est difficile de garantir un effort de rappel sensiblement constant sur la course de compression du ressort. Cet inconvénient s'avère problématique lorsque les pressions de blocage et de déblocage doivent être équivalentes. En outre, lorsque le piston bloque la bague de verrouillage, si l'opérateur cherche à actionner la bague de verrouillage, le piston est sollicité en flexion, ce qui peut induire une fuite au niveau de l'étanchéité du piston du fait de sa faible longueur.This type of construction has several disadvantages. Due to the small space available for the spring in the piston housing, it is difficult to guarantee a substantially constant return force on the compression stroke of the spring. This disadvantage is problematic when the blocking and unblocking pressures must be equivalent. In addition, when the piston blocks the locking ring, if the operator tries to actuate the locking ring, the piston is biased in bending, which can cause a leak in the sealing of the piston because of its low length.

C'est à ces inconvénients qu'entend remédier l'invention en proposant un nouvel élément femelle de raccord rapide dont le système de blocage de la bague de verrouillage garantit un fonctionnement amélioré.It is these drawbacks that the invention intends to remedy by proposing a new female quick coupling element whose locking system of the locking ring guarantees improved operation.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un élément femelle de raccord rapide, pour la jonction de deux canalisations de fluide sous pression, cet élément femelle de raccord étant apte à coopérer, selon un axe longitudinal de l'élément femelle, avec un élément mâle complémentaire de raccord, l'élément femelle de raccord comprenant un corps traversé par un conduit de circulation de fluide, au moins un organe de verrouillage mobile entre une position de verrouillage de l'élément mâle par rapport au corps de l'élément femelle de raccord dans une configuration accouplée du raccord, et une position de déverrouillage, dans laquelle les éléments femelle et mâle de raccord peuvent être désaccouplés, une bague de commande mobile en translation selon l'axe longitudinal entre une première position dans laquelle chaque organe de verrouillage est maintenu dans sa position de verrouillage, et une seconde position, dans laquelle chaque organe de verrouillage est apte à se déplacer dans sa position de déverrouillage, un piston comprenant une surface active en contact fluidique avec ledit conduit et étant mobile de manière étanche dans un logement traversant le corps selon une direction transversale depuis le conduit de circulation de fluide vers l'extérieur du corps, le piston s'étendant à partir de la surface active à l'opposé du conduit de circulation de fluide, un organe de blocage dont le mouvement parallèlement à la direction transversale est solidaire du mouvement du piston, le piston étant mobile depuis une position interne, dans laquelle l'organe de blocage ne bloque pas le mouvement de la bague de commande, vers une position externe dans laquelle l'organe de blocage empêche la translation de la bague de commande jusqu'à sa seconde position, et au moins un élément de rappel élastique du piston vers sa position interne.For this purpose, the invention relates to a female quick coupling element, for joining two pipes of fluid under pressure, this female connector element being able to cooperate, along a longitudinal axis of the female element, with a male element. complementary fitting, the female coupling member comprising a body traversed by a fluid flow conduit, at least one movable locking member between a locking position of the male element relative to the body of the female coupling member in a coupled configuration of the coupling, and an unlocking position, in which the female and male coupling elements can be uncoupled, a control ring movable in translation along the longitudinal axis between a first position in which each locking member is maintained in its locking position, and a second position, in which each locking member is adapted to disengage locating in its unlocked position, a piston comprising an active surface in fluidic contact with said conduit and being able to move in a sealed manner in a housing passing through the body in a transverse direction from the fluid circulation duct towards the outside of the body, the piston extending from the active surface opposite the fluid flow conduit, a locking member whose movement parallel to the transverse direction is integral with the movement of the piston, the piston being movable from an internal position, in which the locking member does not block the movement of the control ring, to an external position in which the locking member prevents the translation of the control ring to its second position, and at least one return element elastic piston to its internal position.

Cet élément femelle de raccord est caractérisé en ce que l'élément de rappel élastique est monté dans un logement du corps de l'élément femelle de raccord situé hors du logement du piston, le logement de l'élément de rappel élastique étant isolé fluidiquement du conduit de circulation de fluide, et en ce que l'élément femelle de raccord comprend des moyens de transmission, disposés entre l'élément de rappel et le piston, pour rappeler le piston vers sa position interne.This female coupling element is characterized in that the elastic return element is mounted in a housing of the body of the female connecting element located outside the piston housing, the housing of the elastic return element being fluidly isolated from the fluid flow conduit, and in that the female coupling member comprises transmission means, disposed between the return member and the piston, for biasing the piston towards its internal position.

Grâce à l'invention, comme l'élément de rappel n'est pas logé dans le logement du piston, il peut bénéficier d'une course plus importante, ce qui permet une meilleure maîtrise des efforts de rappel du piston.Thanks to the invention, since the return element is not housed in the piston housing, it can benefit from a greater stroke, which allows better control of the piston return forces.

Selon des aspects avantageux mais non obligatoires de l'invention, un tel élément femelle de raccord rapide peut incorporer une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prises dans toute combinaison techniquement admissible :

  • Le logement de l'élément de rappel élastique est ménagé dans le corps à l'opposé du logement du piston par rapport à l'axe longitudinal.
  • L'organe de blocage comprend une surface latérale adaptée pour recevoir en appui surfacique, selon l'axe longitudinal de l'élément femelle de raccord, une surface axiale de la bague de commande.
  • Lesdits moyens de transmission sont montés à l'extérieur du corps de l'élément femelle de raccord.
  • L'organe de blocage est un anneau rigide entourant le corps et le piston.
  • L'élément femelle de raccord rapide comprend une rainure, ménagée dans une surface externe du corps, dans laquelle débouche le logement du piston, et adaptée pour guider l'anneau de blocage selon la direction transversale de l'élément femelle de raccord.
  • Lesdits moyens de transmission sont formés par l'anneau de blocage.
  • L'élément femelle de raccord rapide comprend un poussoir disposé entre l'élément de rappel élastique et l'anneau de blocage.
  • Le poussoir et/ou le piston comprennent une surface externe curviligne adaptée pour coopérer avec une surface cylindrique interne de l'anneau de blocage, alors que le rayon de courbure de la surface externe curviligne du poussoir et/ou du piston, est sensiblement égal au rayon de courbure de la surface cylindrique interne de l'anneau de blocage.
  • Lesdits moyens de transmission comprennent une tige s'étendant dans le logement de l'élément de rappel élastique jusqu'au piston à travers le conduit de circulation de fluide.
  • L'organe de blocage est une extrémité externe du piston adaptée pour coopérer, selon l'axe longitudinal de l'élément femelle de raccord, avec une surface axiale de la bague de commande.
  • L'organe de blocage est adapté pour coopérer avec une surface axiale de la bague de commande lorsque ladite bague est dans sa première position.
  • Le corps forme un épaulement externe en arrière du logement du piston, alors qu'une bague externe au corps recouvre radialement l'organe de blocage et l'épaulement externe en configurations accouplée et désaccouplée du raccord ainsi que pendant la manoeuvre d'accouplement et de désaccouplement du raccord.
  • L'élément femelle de raccord rapide comprend une soupape d'obturation du conduit.
According to advantageous but non-compulsory aspects of the invention, such a quick coupling female element may incorporate one or more of the following features, taken in any technically permissible combination:
  • The housing of the elastic return member is formed in the body opposite the housing of the piston relative to the longitudinal axis.
  • The locking member comprises a lateral surface adapted to receive in surface support, along the longitudinal axis of the female coupling member, an axial surface of the control ring.
  • Said transmission means are mounted outside the body of the female coupling element.
  • The locking member is a rigid ring surrounding the body and the piston.
  • The female quick coupling element comprises a groove, formed in an outer surface of the body, into which the housing of the piston opens, and adapted to guide the locking ring in the transverse direction of the female coupling element.
  • Said transmission means are formed by the locking ring.
  • The female quick coupling element comprises a pusher disposed between the elastic return member and the locking ring.
  • The pusher and / or the piston comprise a curvilinear outer surface adapted to cooperate with an inner cylindrical surface of the locking ring, whereas the radius of curvature of the curvilinear outer surface of the pusher and / or the piston is substantially equal to radius of curvature of the inner cylindrical surface of the locking ring.
  • Said transmission means comprise a rod extending in the housing of the elastic return member to the piston through the fluid flow conduit.
  • The locking member is an outer end of the piston adapted to cooperate, along the longitudinal axis of the female coupling member, with an axial surface of the control ring.
  • The locking member is adapted to cooperate with an axial surface of the control ring when said ring is in its first position.
  • The body forms an external shoulder behind the housing of the piston, while a ring external to the body radially covers the locking member and the outer shoulder in coupled and uncoupled configurations of the connector and during the coupling operation and uncoupling of the coupling.
  • The female quick coupling member comprises a shutter valve of the conduit.

L'invention concerne également un raccord rapide pour la jonction de deux canalisations de fluide sous pression, comprenant un élément femelle tel que décrit ci-dessus et un élément mâle de raccord complémentaire.The invention also relates to a quick coupling for the joining of two pipes of pressurized fluid, comprising a female element as described above and a male element of complementary connection.

L'invention sera mieux comprise et d'autres avantages de celle-ci apparaîtront plus clairement à la lumière de la description qui va suivre d'un élément femelle de raccord rapide et d'un raccord rapide conformes à l'invention, faite à titre d'exemple non limitatif et en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une coupe longitudinale d'un élément femelle de raccord conforme à l'invention en configuration désaccouplée;
  • la figure 2 est une vue similaire à la figure 1, d'un raccord rapide conforme à l'invention incluant l'élément femelle de raccord de la figure 1 et un élément mâle de raccord, en cours d'accouplement ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue similaire à la figure 2, l'élément mâle du raccord étant accouplé et verrouillé dans l'élément femelle ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue similaire aux figures 2 à 3, dans une configuration bloquée d'une bague de verrouillage de l'élément femelle accouplé à l'élément mâle;
  • la figure 5 est une coupe selon le plan V-V à la figure 3, de l'élément femelle de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue similaire à la figure 5, dans la configuration de la figure 4 ;
  • la figure 7 est une vue similaire aux figures 2 à 4, d'un raccord comprenant un élément femelle conforme à un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention représenté en configuration accouplée;
  • la figure 8 est une vue similaire aux figures 2 à 4, d'un raccord comprenant un élément femelle conforme à un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention représenté en configuration accouplée.
The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of a female quick coupling element and a quick coupling according to the invention, made as a nonlimiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a female coupling element according to the invention in uncoupled configuration;
  • the figure 2 is a view similar to the figure 1 , a quick coupling according to the invention including the female coupling member of the figure 1 and a male coupling member, being mated;
  • the figure 3 is a view similar to the figure 2 , the male element of the coupling being coupled and locked in the female element;
  • the figure 4 is a view similar to Figures 2 to 3 in a locked configuration of a locking ring of the female element coupled to the male element;
  • the figure 5 is a section on the plane VV to the figure 3 , of the female element of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 6 is a view similar to the figure 5 , in the configuration of the figure 4 ;
  • the figure 7 is a view similar to Figures 2 to 4 , a connector comprising a female element according to a second embodiment of the invention shown in coupled configuration;
  • the figure 8 is a view similar to Figures 2 to 4 , a connector comprising a female element according to a third embodiment of the invention shown in coupled configuration.

Le raccord rapide R représenté sur les figures 2 à 8 comprend un premier élément conformé en élément femelle A, représenté seul à la figure 1, et un second élément conformé en élément ou embout mâle B, prévus pour s'emmancher l'un dans l'autre dans la direction d'un axe X-X' qui est, en pratique, un axe longitudinal de l'élément A, commun aux éléments A et B en cours d'accouplement ou accouplés.The quick coupling R shown on the Figures 2 to 8 comprises a first element shaped as a female element A, represented alone at figure 1 , and a second element shaped as an element or a male end B, designed to slide into one another in the direction of an axis XX 'which is, in practice, a longitudinal axis of the element A, common to each other. to elements A and B being mated or coupled.

Par convention, on considère que la partie avant d'un élément A ou B est la partie de cet élément tournée vers l'autre élément lors de leur connexion.By convention, it is considered that the front part of an element A or B is the part of this element facing the other element when they are connected.

La partie arrière de l'élément femelle A est raccordée fluidiquement à une canalisation non représentée qui peut être raccordée à une source de fluide sous pression non représentée, notamment une source de gaz telle que du GPL ou de l'hydrogène, par exemple à une pression de l'ordre de 800 bars. Une vanne de commande non représentée, connectée entre l'élément femelle A et la source de fluide à laquelle l'élément femelle A est raccordé, est adaptée pour commander la circulation de fluide vers l'élément femelle A. La partie arrière de l'élément mâle B est raccordée à une deuxième canalisation non représentée qui peut être raccordée à un organe d'utilisation ou de stockage du fluide provenant de la source précitée. Une vanne non représentée est adaptée pour ouvrir et fermer le passage entre l'élément mâle B et l'organe d'utilisation ou de stockage. A titre d'exemple, la canalisation raccordée à la partie arrière de l'élément mâle B peut être raccordée à un réservoir embarqué sur un véhicule automobile.The rear part of the female element A is fluidly connected to a pipe (not shown) which can be connected to a source of fluid under pressure, not shown, in particular a source of gas such as LPG or hydrogen, for example at a pressure of the order of 800 bars. An unrepresented control valve, connected between the female element A and the fluid source to which the female element A is connected, is adapted to control the flow of fluid to the female element A. The rear part of the male element B is connected to a second pipe, not shown, which can be connected to a member for using or storing the fluid coming from the aforementioned source. A not shown valve is adapted to open and close the passage between the male element B and the use member or storage. For example, the pipe connected to the rear part of the male element B can be connected to a tank on board a motor vehicle.

L'élément mâle B comprend un corps tubulaire 11 qui définit un canal 12 de circulation de fluide sous pression. Sur sa surface périphérique externe 13, le corps 11 est pourvu d'une gorge périphérique 15 de révolution à fond plat et à bords tronconiques.The male element B comprises a tubular body 11 which defines a channel 12 for circulating fluid under pressure. On its outer peripheral surface 13, the body 11 is provided with a circumferential groove 15 of revolution with a flat bottom and frustoconical edges.

Le corps tubulaire 11 est également pourvu, sur une surface radiale interne 17, et au voisinage d'une face avant 18, d'une gorge périphérique 19 de révolution, dans laquelle est reçu un joint torique 20 en élastomère.The tubular body 11 is also provided, on an inner radial surface 17, and in the vicinity of a front face 18, a peripheral groove 19 of revolution, in which is received an O-ring 20 of elastomer.

L'élément femelle A comprend un corps tubulaire principal 40, définissant un canal d'insertion 42 du côté avant de l'élément femelle A, et dans lequel l'élément mâle B est adapté pour être inséré. Le canal d'insertion 42 se prolonge par un alésage 44 vers l'arrière de l'élément femelle A, puis par une chambre intermédiaire 46, et enfin par un canal arrière 48 situé à l'arrière de l'élément femelle A.The female member A comprises a main tubular body 40, defining an insertion channel 42 on the front side of the female member A, and wherein the male member B is adapted to be inserted. The insertion channel 42 is extended by a bore 44 towards the rear of the female element A, then by an intermediate chamber 46, and finally by a rear channel 48 located at the rear of the female element A.

L'élément femelle A comporte une soupape 50 dont une partie avant comprend un bord avant tronconique 502 adapté pour entrer en contact avec le joint torique 20 lors de l'insertion de l'élément mâle B dans l'élément femelle A. La soupape 50 comporte également un manchon central 504 qui est monté dans l'alésage 44 de manière à coulisser selon l'axe X-X'. La soupape 50 comporte un canal 506 qui s'ouvre vers l'avant au voisinage du bord tronconique 502 et vers l'arrière par des trous 508 dirigés perpendiculairement à l'axe X-X'. La soupape 50 comporte également une butée circulaire arrière 510 adaptée pour venir en contact contre un siège 52 du corps 40, situé dans la chambre intermédiaire 46.The female element A comprises a valve 50, a front portion of which comprises a frustoconical front edge 502 adapted to come into contact with the O-ring 20 during the insertion of the male element B into the female element A. The valve 50 also comprises a central sleeve 504 which is mounted in the bore 44 so as to slide along the axis X-X '. The valve 50 comprises a channel 506 which opens towards the front in the vicinity of the frustoconical edge 502 and towards the rear by holes 508 directed perpendicularly to the axis X-X '. The valve 50 also has a rear circular stop 510 adapted to come into contact with a seat 52 of the body 40, located in the intermediate chamber 46.

La chambre 46 et le canal arrière 48 forment ensemble un conduit 400 de circulation de fluide dans le corps 40.The chamber 46 and the rear channel 48 together form a conduit 400 for fluid circulation in the body 40.

Dans la configuration désaccouplée du raccord R, représentée à la figure 1, et dans laquelle l'élément mâle B n'est pas inséré dans l'élément femelle A, la soupape 50 est repoussée par un ressort 54 dans une position fermée, dans laquelle la butée 510 est en appui contre le siège 52. Dans cette position, les trous 508 de la soupape 50 débouchent dans l'alésage 44. Un joint torique 56 placé dans l'alésage 44 et coopérant avec la soupape 50 en arrière des trous 508 empêche l'écoulement de fluide depuis la chambre intermédiaire 46 vers l'extérieur de l'élément femelle A.In the uncoupled configuration of the connection R, shown in FIG. figure 1 , and in which the male element B is not inserted into the female element A, the valve 50 is pushed back by a spring 54 into a closed position, in which the stop 510 bears against the seat 52. In this position, the holes 508 of the valve 50 open into the bore 44. An O-ring 56 placed in the bore 44 and cooperating with the valve 50 behind the holes 508 prevents the flow of fluid from the intermediate chamber 46 to the outside of the female element A.

La partie avant du corps 40 comporte des logements 58 formés par des trous cylindriques à section circulaire orientés perpendiculairement à l'axe X-X'. Des billes 60 de verrouillage sont montées dans les logements 58. Dans la configuration accouplée du raccord représentée à la figure 3, les billes 60 font saillie dans le canal d'insertion 42 de manière à s'engager dans la gorge 15 de l'élément mâle B et à verrouiller celui-ci en configuration accouplée dans l'élément femelle A. Dans cette configuration, les billes de verrouillage 60 sont maintenues dans le canal d'insertion 42 sous l'action d'une partie protubérante 92 d'une bague de verrouillage 90 de forme cylindrique à section circulaire montée du côté extérieur du corps 40 avec possibilité de coulissement selon l'axe X-X'. La partie protubérante 92 fait saillie radialement en direction de l'axe X-X' de manière à repousser les billes 60 en direction de l'axe X-X'. Dans la configuration de la figure 3, la bague de verrouillage 90 est en position avant de verrouillage ou première position, et les billes 60 font saillie dans le canal d'insertion 42 et maintiennent l'élément mâle B emmanché dans l'élément femelle A. Dans sa position avant, la bague de verrouillage 90 bloque chacune des billes de verrouillage 60 dans une position de verrouillage de l'élément mâle B dans l'élément femelle A en position accouplée.The front portion of the body 40 has housings 58 formed by cylindrical holes of circular section oriented perpendicularly to the axis X-X '. Locking balls 60 are mounted in the housings 58. In the coupled configuration of the coupling shown in FIG. figure 3 , the balls 60 protrude into the insertion channel 42 so as to engage in the groove 15 of the male element B and to lock it in a coupled configuration in the female element A. In this configuration, the locking balls 60 are held in the insertion channel 42 under the action of a protruding portion 92 of a cylindrical locking ring 90 of circular section mounted on the outer side of the body 40 with the possibility of sliding according to the X-X 'axis. The protruding portion 92 projects radially towards the axis XX 'so as to push the balls 60 in the direction of the axis X-X'. In the configuration of the figure 3 , the locking ring 90 is in the front locking position or first position, and the balls 60 protrude into the insertion channel 42 and hold the male element B fitted into the female element A. In its forward position, the locking ring 90 blocks each of the locking balls 60 in a locking position of the male element B in the female element A in the coupled position.

Pour désaccoupler l'élément mâle B de l'élément femelle A, la bague de verrouillage 90 doit être tirée vers l'arrière par un opérateur. Dans sa position arrière ou seconde position, qui correspond à sa position dite de libération, la bague de verrouillage 90 ne s'oppose pas à un déplacement radial externe de chacune des billes de verrouillage 60 jusqu'à une position de déverrouillage dans laquelle les billes 60 ne font plus saillie dans le canal d'insertion 42 et les éléments mâle B et femelle A peuvent être désaccouplés. La manoeuvre de désaccouplement doit être effectuée lorsque la pression du fluide circulant dans le canal de circulation de fluide est inférieure à une pression de sécurité prédéfinie, par exemple égale à 10 bars. Ceci permet de s'assurer que le désaccouplement du raccord ne produira pas d'effet de coup de fouet lorsque l'opérateur déconnectera l'élément mâle B de l'élément femelle A.To disconnect the male element B from the female element A, the locking ring 90 must be pulled back by an operator. In its rear position or second position, which corresponds to its so-called release position, the locking ring 90 does not oppose an external radial displacement of each of the locking balls 60 to an unlocking position in which the balls 60 no longer project into the insertion channel 42 and the male B and female A elements can be uncoupled. The uncoupling operation must be performed when the pressure of the fluid flowing in the fluid circulation channel is less than a preset safety pressure, for example equal to 10 bar. This ensures that the Disconnecting the coupling will not produce a whiplash effect when the operator disconnects the male element B from the female element A.

Pour empêcher la manoeuvre de la bague de verrouillage 90, l'élément femelle A comporte un organe de blocage de la bague de verrouillage 90 dans sa position avant. La position de l'organe de blocage est contrôlée par la pression de fluide dans le conduit 400 de circulation de fluide, de manière que l'organe de blocage empêche la translation vers l'arrière de la bague de verrouillage 90 lorsque la pression du fluide dans le conduit 400 est supérieure à la pression de sécurité.To prevent the operation of the locking ring 90, the female member A comprises a locking member of the locking ring 90 in its forward position. The position of the locking member is controlled by the fluid pressure in the fluid circulation duct 400, so that the locking member prevents the rearward translation of the locking ring 90 when the fluid pressure in the duct 400 is greater than the safety pressure.

Dans le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 à 6, l'organe de blocage est un anneau de blocage 100 fermé monté autour du corps 40. L'anneau de blocage 100 est rigide, c'est-à-dire qu'il ne se déforme pas dans les conditions d'utilisation, notamment mécaniques et de température, du raccord R. L'anneau de blocage 100 est suffisamment rigide pour ne pas se déformer sous l'effet d'une force axiale exercée par la bague de verrouillage 90 actionnée normalement par un opérateur. L'anneau de blocage 100 est centré autour d'un axe longitudinal X100 qui est confondu avec l'axe X-X' dans la configuration des figures 1 à 3 et 5. L'anneau de blocage 100 est logé dans une rainure de guidage périphérique 62 du corps 40, qui est ménagée dans une surface externe 402 du corps 40. La rainure 62 guide l'anneau de blocage 100 dans une direction transversale Y-Y' de l'élément femelle A, perpendiculairement à l'axe X-X'. Le diamètre externe de l'anneau 100 est inférieur ou égal au diamètre de la surface externe 402 autour de laquelle coulisse la bague de verrouillage 90 entre sa position avant et sa position arrière.In the embodiment shown on the Figures 1 to 6 , the locking member is a closed locking ring 100 mounted around the body 40. The locking ring 100 is rigid, that is to say that it does not deform under the conditions of use, in particular The locking ring 100 is sufficiently rigid so as not to deform under the effect of an axial force exerted by the locking ring 90 actuated normally by an operator. The locking ring 100 is centered around a longitudinal axis X100 which coincides with the axis XX 'in the configuration of the Figures 1 to 3 and 5 . The locking ring 100 is housed in a peripheral guide groove 62 of the body 40, which is formed in an outer surface 402 of the body 40. The groove 62 guides the locking ring 100 in a transverse direction YY 'of the female element A, perpendicular to the axis X-X '. The outer diameter of the ring 100 is less than or equal to the diameter of the outer surface 402 around which the locking ring 90 slides between its forward position and its rear position.

La position de l'anneau de blocage 100 est contrôlée en fonction de la pression du fluide dans le conduit 400 au moyen d'un piston 120 monté mobile de manière étanche dans un alésage 64 du corps 40, qui forme le logement du piston 120. Le logement 64 est centré autour de la direction Y-Y' perpendiculaire à l'axe X-X' et traverse le corps 40 depuis le canal arrière 48 vers l'extérieur du corps 40 de l'élément femelle A. Le logement 64 débouche dans la rainure 62. Le piston 120 comprend un collet terminal 121 de diamètre équivalent au diamètre de l'alésage 64. Le collet 121 forme une surface active 122 située du côté du canal arrière 48, et sur laquelle la pression du fluide présent dans le canal arrière 48 s'exerce, sous la forme d'une force Fp. Autrement dit, la surface active 122 est en permanence en contact fluidique avec le canal arrière 48. Un joint 123 disposé dans une gorge du collet 121 et coopérant avec l'alésage 64 assure l'étanchéité entre le canal arrière 48 et l'extérieur de l'élément de raccord A au niveau de l'alésage 64. Le piston 120 s'étend en direction de la surface externe 402 à partir de la surface active 122 à l'opposé du conduit 400.The position of the locking ring 100 is controlled according to the pressure of the fluid in the conduit 400 by means of a piston 120 mounted sealingly in a bore 64 of the body 40, which forms the housing of the piston 120. The housing 64 is centered around the direction YY 'perpendicular to the axis XX' and passes through the body 40 from the rear channel 48 towards the outside of the body 40 of the female element A. The housing 64 opens into the groove 62 The piston 120 comprises a terminal collar 121 of diameter equivalent to the diameter of the bore 64. The collar 121 forms an active surface 122 situated on the side of the rear channel 48, and on which the pressure of the fluid present in the rear channel 48 is exerts, in the form of a force Fp. In other words, the active surface 122 is permanently in fluidic contact with the rear channel 48. A seal 123 disposed in a groove of the collar 121 and cooperating with the bore 64 seals between the rear channel 48 and the outside of the the connecting member A at the bore 64. The piston 120 extends towards the outer surface 402 from the active surface 122 opposite the conduit 400.

Le piston 120 est également lié mécaniquement à l'anneau de blocage 100, auquel il transmet la force Fp. A cet effet, le piston 120 comprend une surface externe curviligne 124 qui transmet la force Fp à l'anneau de blocage 100, en coopérant avec une surface cylindrique interne 102 de l'anneau de blocage 100. Par surface curviligne, on définit une surface pouvant être en tronçon de cylindre ou de sphère et ayant une génératrice en arc de cercle définissable par son rayon de courbure. Le rayon de courbure de la surface curviligne 124 est sensiblement égal au rayon de courbure de la surface 102. L'élément femelle A comprend au moins un élément de rappel adapté pour repousser l'anneau de blocage 100 et le piston 120 vers une position de déblocage, représentée aux figures 1 à 3 et 5, dans laquelle l'anneau de blocage 100 ne dépasse pas radialement de la surface externe 402 et ne bloque donc pas le mouvement vers l'arrière de la bague de verrouillage 90. L'élément de rappel est un ressort spiral 140 en appui dans un logement 66 du corps 40. L'axe longitudinal du ressort spiral de compression 140 et l'axe longitudinal X66 de l'alésage formant le logement 66 sont parallèles entre eux, de préférence coaxiaux et confondus avec la direction Y-Y'. Le logement 66 est situé hors du logement 64 du piston 120, autrement dit le logement 66 ne débouche pas sur le logement 64 et ne communique pas fluidiquement avec le logement 64. Plus précisément le logement 66 est ménagé dans le corps 40 à l'opposé, selon l'axe X-X', du logement 64 par rapport au canal arrière 48. Cette construction rend disponible un logement de plus grande longueur pour le ressort 140, ce qui permet, pour une course du piston 120 équivalente à celle d'un raccord de l'état de l'art, d'obtenir un rapport entre la course du piston 120 et la longueur du logement 66 du ressort spiral 140 inférieur à celui du raccord de l'état de l'art. Ceci permet une meilleure maîtrise des efforts de rappel de l'anneau de blocage 100, sans pénaliser l'encombrement radial du raccord, par rapport aux matériels connus. Le logement 66 débouche sur l'extérieur du corps 40 mais ne débouche pas dans le canal arrière 48.The piston 120 is also mechanically connected to the locking ring 100, to which it transmits the force Fp. For this purpose, the piston 120 comprises a curvilinear outer surface 124 which transmits the force Fp to the locking ring 100, by cooperating with an inner cylindrical surface 102 of the locking ring 100. Curvilinear surface defines a surface which may be in a section of a cylinder or sphere and having a generatrix in an arc definable by its radius of curvature. The radius of curvature of the curvilinear surface 124 is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the surface 102. The female element A comprises at least one return element adapted to push the locking ring 100 and the piston 120 towards a position of unblocking, represented in Figures 1 to 3 and 5 in which the locking ring 100 does not protrude radially from the outer surface 402 and thus does not block the rearward movement of the locking ring 90. The biasing element is a spiral spring 140 bearing in a housing 66 of the body 40. The longitudinal axis of the spiral compression spring 140 and the longitudinal axis X66 of the bore forming the housing 66 are mutually parallel, preferably coaxial and coincident with the direction YY '. The housing 66 is located outside the housing 64 of the piston 120, that is to say the housing 66 does not open on the housing 64 and does not communicate fluidly with the housing 64. More specifically the housing 66 is formed in the body 40 to the opposite , along axis X-X ', housing 64 relative to the rear channel 48. This construction makes available a housing of greater length for the spring 140, which allows for a stroke of the piston 120 equivalent to that of a connection of the state of the art, to obtain a ratio between the stroke of the piston 120 and the length of the housing 66 of the spiral spring 140 less than that of the connection of the state of the art. This allows a better control of the return forces of the locking ring 100, without penalizing the radial size of the connection, compared to known materials. The housing 66 opens out of the body 40 but does not open into the rear channel 48.

L'élément femelle A comporte un poussoir 142, dans lequel le ressort spiral 140 est logé et qui est monté mobile dans le logement 66. Le poussoir 142 transmet, entre le ressort 140 et l'anneau de blocage 100, un effort de rappel F140 exercé par le ressort 140. Le poussoir 142 est en contact avec la surface cylindrique interne 102 de l'anneau de blocage 100 pour transmettre l'effort F140. Une surface externe curviligne 144 du poussoir 142 est en contact avec la surface interne cylindrique 102 de l'anneau de blocage 100. Le rayon de courbure de la surface curviligne 144 est sensiblement égal au rayon de courbure de la surface cylindrique interne 102.The female element A comprises a pusher 142, in which the spiral spring 140 is housed and which is movably mounted in the housing 66. The pusher 142 transmits, between the spring 140 and the locking ring 100, a biasing force F140 exerted by the spring 140. The pusher 142 is in contact with the inner cylindrical surface 102 of the locking ring 100 to transmit the force F140. A curvilinear outer surface 144 of the pusher 142 is in contact with the cylindrical inner surface 102 of the locking ring 100. The radius of curvature of the curvilinear surface 144 is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the inner cylindrical surface 102.

Etant en contact simultanément avec la surface externe curviligne 124 du piston et avec la surface externe curviligne 144 du poussoir 142, l'anneau de blocage 100 est donc solidaire dans son mouvement transversal selon la direction Y-Y' du mouvement du piston 120.Being in contact simultaneously with the curvilinear outer surface 124 of the piston and with the curvilinear outer surface 144 of the pusher 142, the locking ring 100 is thus integral in its transverse movement in the Y-Y 'direction of the movement of the piston 120.

L'anneau de blocage 100 forme un moyen de transmission, entre le ressort 140 et le piston 120, de l'effort de rappel F140. L'anneau de blocage 100 permet de repousser, élastiquement, le piston 120 à l'encontre de la force de pression Fp. L'anneau de blocage 100 étant monté autour du corps 40, il évite l'emploi d'un moyen de transmission d'effort entre le piston 120 et le ressort 140 qui passe à travers le canal arrière 48. L'anneau de blocage 100 permet donc d'éviter des perturbations dans l'écoulement du fluide, et réduit le nombre de joints d'étanchéité nécessaire pour isoler le ressort 140 du conduit de circulation 400.The locking ring 100 forms a transmission means, between the spring 140 and the piston 120, the return force F140. The locking ring 100 makes it possible to push the piston 120 elastically against the pressing force Fp. The locking ring 100 being mounted around the body 40, it avoids the use of a force transmission means between the piston 120 and the spring 140 which passes through the rear channel 48. The locking ring 100 thus avoids disturbances in the fluid flow, and reduces the number of seals required to isolate the spring 140 of the flow conduit 400.

L'anneau de blocage 100 est à section de tore rectangulaire et comporte une surface latérale 104 axiale avant adaptée pour recevoir en appui une surface axiale arrière 94 de la bague de verrouillage 90. L'emploi d'un organe de blocage de type anneau permet de limiter l'encombrement radial de l'élément femelle A.The locking ring 100 is of rectangular toroidal section and has a front axial side surface 104 adapted to receive a bearing against a rear axial surface 94 of the locking ring 90. The use of a ring-type locking member enables to limit the radial size of the female element A.

La bague de verrouillage 90 est repoussée par un ressort 88 en direction de sa position avant, en butée contre un épaulement avant externe 41 du corps 40.The locking ring 90 is pushed by a spring 88 towards its forward position, abutting against an outer front shoulder 41 of the body 40.

Le fonctionnement du raccord rapide R est le suivant : Dans la configuration désaccouplée du raccord R représentée à la figure 1, l'anneau de blocage 100 est dans une position de déblocage, dans laquelle la surface latérale 104 ne bloque pas le déplacement vers l'arrière de la bague de verrouillage 90. En effet, dans ce cas, la pression du fluide dans le conduit 400 obturé par la soupape 50 est inférieure à la pression de sécurité. Le piston 120 est donc repoussé dans son logement 64 par l'effort F140 exercé sur l'anneau de blocage 100 de manière que la surface latérale 104 ne soit pas en regard, selon une direction parallèle à l'axe X-X', de la surface axiale 94. Dans cette position interne, la surface active 122 du piston 120 est en butée contre un épaulement 65 du logement 64, qui limite la course du piston 120 vers le canal arrière 48.The operation of the quick coupling R is as follows: In the uncoupled configuration of the coupling R shown in FIG. figure 1 , the locking ring 100 is in an unlocking position, in which the lateral surface 104 does not block the rearward movement of the locking ring 90. Indeed, in this case, the pressure of the fluid in the conduit 400 shut off by the valve 50 is less than the safety pressure. The piston 120 is thus pushed into its housing 64 by the force F140 exerted on the locking ring 100 so that the lateral surface 104 is not facing, in a direction parallel to the axis X-X ', the axial surface 94. In this internal position, the active surface 122 of the piston 120 is in abutment against a shoulder 65 of the housing 64, which limits the stroke of the piston 120 towards the rear channel 48.

Lorsque l'élément mâle B est engagé dans l'élément femelle A, la bague de verrouillage 90 est déplacée vers l'arrière selon la flèche F1 par l'opérateur de manière que les billes de verrouillage 60 sont radialement repoussées par le corps tubulaire 11 de l'élément mâle B en position de déverrouillage vers une partie avant 95 de la bague de verrouillage 90, dont le diamètre interne est supérieur à celui de la partie protubérante 92. Cette configuration de la bague de verrouillage 90 est représentée à la figure 2. Lors de l'avancée de l'élément mâle B dans l'élément femelle A, après prise d'étanchéité au niveau du joint 20, la soupape 50 est repoussée vers l'arrière à l'encontre de l'action du ressort 54. Lorsque l'élément mâle B est suffisamment inséré dans l'élément femelle A, les billes de verrouillage 60 se trouvent radialement au niveau de la gorge périphérique 15 et s'y engagent, sous l'action de la bague de verrouillage 90 qui est repoussée vers sa position avant par le ressort 88, au moment où l'opérateur relâche son action sur la bague de verrouillage 90. Lorsque la bague de verrouillage 90 arrive dans sa position avant, les billes 60 sont repoussées en direction de l'axe X-X' par la partie protubérante 92 et maintenues dans la gorge 15 en position de verrouillage, ce qui verrouille l'élément mâle B dans le corps 40 de l'élément femelle A selon l'axe longitudinal X-X' en empêchant son retrait hors de l'élément femelle A.When the male element B is engaged in the female element A, the locking ring 90 is moved backwards along the arrow F1 by the operator so that the locking balls 60 are radially pushed by the tubular body 11 of the male element B in unlocking position to a front portion 95 of the locking ring 90, whose inner diameter is greater than that of the protruding portion 92. This configuration of the locking ring 90 is shown in FIG. figure 2 . During the advancement of the male element B in the female element A, after taking sealing at the level of the seal 20, the valve 50 is pushed back against the action of the spring 54. When the male element B is sufficiently inserted into the female element A, the locking balls 60 are radially at the level of the peripheral groove 15 and engage, under the action of the locking ring 90 which is pushed back to its forward position by the spring 88, at the moment the operator releases its action on the locking ring 90 When the locking ring 90 arrives in its forward position, the balls 60 are pushed towards the axis XX 'by the protruding part 92 and held in the groove 15 in the locking position, which locks the male element B in the body 40 of the female element A along the longitudinal axis XX 'by preventing its withdrawal from the female element A.

Une fois le raccord accouplé, l'alimentation en fluide de l'élément femelle A est activée au moyen de la vanne de commande. Le fluide sous pression, de l'ordre de 800 bars, provenant de la canalisation connectée à l'élément femelle A parvient dans le conduit de circulation de fluide 400 et s'écoule à travers les trous 508 qui communiquent avec le canal arrière 48, à travers le canal 506 et à travers le canal 12. La pression dans le canal arrière 48 augmente au-delà de la pression de sécurité et s'exerce sur la surface active 122. La surface active 122 est donc repoussée dans la direction Y-Y' vers l'extérieur dans le logement 64 et le piston 120 est alors déplacé de sa position interne des figures 1 à 3 et 5 selon la flèche F2 vers sa position externe des figures 4 et 6, dans laquelle il n'est plus en contact avec l'épaulement 65, à l'encontre de l'effort F140 exercé sur l'anneau de blocage 100. Comme la surface cylindrique externe 124 est maintenue en contact avec la surface interne 102, par le ressort 140 et le poussoir 142, l'anneau de blocage 100 est également déplacé dans la direction Y-Y' selon la flèche F2, jusqu'à une position de blocage où l'anneau 100 dépasse radialement de la surface radiale externe 402 et dans laquelle la surface latérale 104 fait partiellement face, selon une direction D100 parallèle à l'axe X-X', à la surface axiale arrière 94. Dans cette position externe, le piston 120 est maintenu par l'effort Fp en butée contre un épaulement 64a du logement 64.Once the coupling is coupled, the fluid supply of the female element A is activated by means of the control valve. The pressurized fluid, of the order of 800 bars, coming from the pipe connected to the female element A arrives in the fluid circulation duct 400 and flows through the holes 508 which communicate with the rear channel 48, through the channel 506 and through the channel 12. The pressure in the rear channel 48 increases beyond the safety pressure and is exerted on the active surface 122. The active surface 122 is therefore pushed in the direction YY ' outwardly in the housing 64 and the piston 120 is then moved from its internal position of Figures 1 to 3 and 5 according to the arrow F2 towards its external position of figures 4 and 6 , in which it is no longer in contact with the shoulder 65, against the force F140 exerted on the locking ring 100. As the outer cylindrical surface 124 is kept in contact with the inner surface 102, by the spring 140 and the pusher 142, the locking ring 100 is also moved in the direction YY 'along the arrow F2, to a locking position where the ring 100 radially exceeds the outer radial surface 402 and in which the lateral surface 104 partially faces, in a direction D100 parallel to the axis X-X ', to the rear axial surface 94. In this external position, the piston 120 is held by the force Fp abutting against a shoulder 64a of dwelling 64.

Dans la configuration des figures 4 et 6, la bague de verrouillage 90 ne peut pas être déplacée vers l'arrière pour libérer les billes de verrouillage 60 et déconnecter l'élément mâle B de l'élément femelle A, car la surface latérale 104 de l'anneau de blocage 100 forme obstacle au déplacement de la bague de verrouillage 90 selon l'axe X-X' jusqu'à sa position de libération en coopérant avec la surface axiale arrière 94. L'appui entre la surface latérale 104 et la surface axiale arrière 94 se fait sur une surface de contact en forme de croissant, qui évite le risque de marquage des pièces, comme cela est le cas pour les raccords dans lesquels la bague de verrouillage est bloquée en translation par le piston selon une ligne de contact.In the configuration of figures 4 and 6 the locking ring 90 can not be moved backwards to release the locking balls 60 and disconnect the male element B from the female element A, since the lateral surface 104 of the locking ring 100 forms an obstacle the displacement of the locking ring 90 along the axis XX 'to its release position cooperating with the rear axial surface 94. The support between the lateral surface 104 and the rear axial surface 94 is on a surface of crescent-shaped contact, which avoids the risk of marking parts, like this is the case for the fittings in which the locking ring is locked in translation by the piston along a line of contact.

Lorsque le transfert de fluide dans le raccord R est terminé, par exemple si un réservoir d'hydrogène d'un véhicule est complètement rempli, l'alimentation en fluide est stoppée en manoeuvrant la vanne de commande et le passage entre l'élément mâle B et le réservoir est fermé. Le fluide contenu dans le conduit 400 et dans le conduit 12 est purgé. Le débit et la pression du fluide dans le canal arrière 48 diminuent et la force Fp exercée par la pression du fluide diminue. Lorsque la pression dans le canal arrière 48 est de nouveau inférieure à la pression de sécurité, le piston 120 est ramené dans sa position interne, en butée contre l'épaulement 65, sous l'action de l'effort de rappel F140 via l'anneau de blocage 100. L'anneau de blocage 100 revient à sa position de déblocage, et un opérateur manipulant le raccord peut à nouveau déplacer la bague de verrouillage 90 vers sa position arrière afin de désaccoupler le raccord R sans danger. Avec la bague de verrouillage 90 en position arrière, les billes de verrouillage 60 sont repoussées en position de déverrouillage par la surface externe de l'élément mâle B retiré hors du corps 40 de l'élément femelle A.When the transfer of fluid in the connection R is completed, for example if a hydrogen tank of a vehicle is completely filled, the fluid supply is stopped by operating the control valve and the passage between the male element B and the tank is closed. The fluid contained in the duct 400 and in the duct 12 is purged. The flow rate and fluid pressure in the rear channel 48 decrease and the force Fp exerted by the fluid pressure decreases. When the pressure in the rear channel 48 is again below the safety pressure, the piston 120 is returned to its internal position, abutting against the shoulder 65, under the action of the return force F140 via the Locking ring 100. Locking ring 100 returns to its unlocking position, and an operator handling the fitting can again move locking ring 90 to its rearward position to uncouple connection R safely. With the locking ring 90 in the rear position, the locking balls 60 are pushed into the unlocking position by the outer surface of the male element B withdrawn from the body 40 of the female element A.

Le piston 120 est donc soumis en permanence au différentiel de pression de part et d'autre du joint 123, c'est-à-dire à la pression du fluide dans le canal 48 et à la pression atmosphérique de l'air à l'extérieur du raccord et à l'effort F140 de rappel élastique. L'effort de rappel F140 est dimensionné en fonction de la valeur de la pression de sécurité, de manière que, pour une pression dans le canal arrière 48 inférieure à la pression de sécurité, le piston 120 est automatiquement rappelé et maintenu dans sa position interne, sous l'effort élastique F140, et qu'une pression dans le canal interne 48 qui est supérieure à la pression de sécurité place le piston 120 en position externe, à l'encontre de l'effort élastique F140. La force Fp exercée par le fluide dans le canal 48 sur la surface active 122 devient alors supérieure à la force F140, aux efforts de pression de l'air extérieur sur le piston 120 et aux efforts d'adhérence puis de frottement du piston 120 dans son logement 64.The piston 120 is therefore permanently subjected to the pressure differential on either side of the seal 123, that is to say to the pressure of the fluid in the channel 48 and at the atmospheric pressure of the air at the outside of the fitting and the F140 elastic return force. The biasing force F140 is sized according to the value of the safety pressure, so that for a pressure in the rear channel 48 below the safety pressure, the piston 120 is automatically recalled and maintained in its internal position. under the elastic force F140, and a pressure in the inner channel 48 which is greater than the safety pressure places the piston 120 in the outer position, against the elastic force F140. The force Fp exerted by the fluid in the channel 48 on the active surface 122 then becomes greater than the force F140, the pressure forces of the outside air on the piston 120 and the grip and friction forces of the piston 120 in his dwelling 64.

Dans le cas où, en configuration désaccouplée, la pression du fluide existant dans le canal arrière 48 obturé par la soupape 50 est supérieure à la pression de sécurité, la connexion du raccord R doit être empêchée pour des raisons de sécurité. Le piston 120, déplacé en position externe sous l'action de la force Fp, repousse et maintient l'anneau de blocage 100 dans sa position de blocage. La translation vers l'arrière de la bague de verrouillage 90 est donc impossible. Les billes de verrouillage 60 ne peuvent donc pas être repoussées à l'opposé de l'axe X-X' lors de l'insertion de l'élément mâle B dans l'élément femelle A. Le raccord R ne peut donc pas être connecté.In the case where, in uncoupled configuration, the pressure of the fluid existing in the rear channel 48 closed by the valve 50 is greater than the safety pressure, the connection of the connection R must be prevented for safety reasons. The piston 120, moved in the external position under the action of the force Fp, pushes and holds the locking ring 100 in its locking position. The translation towards the rear of the locking ring 90 is therefore impossible. The locking balls 60 can not therefore to be pushed away from the axis XX 'during the insertion of the male element B into the female element A. The connection R can not be connected.

La bague de verrouillage 90 comporte une paroi tubulaire arrière 96 s'étendant vers l'arrière de l'élément femelle A au-delà de la surface axiale 94. La paroi tubulaire arrière 96 recouvre la rainure 62 et un épaulement externe arrière 53 du corps 40 dans chacune des configurations de l'élément femelle A au cours du fonctionnement du raccord R. La paroi tubulaire arrière 96 procure donc une protection de l'anneau de blocage 100 et du piston 120 vis-à-vis de pollutions externes qui pourraient notamment perturber le coulissement du piston 120. La bague de verrouillage 90 forme une bague de commande, car son déplacement commande la libération des billes de verrouillage 60 pour l'accouplement et le désaccouplement du raccord.The locking ring 90 has a rear tubular wall 96 extending rearwardly of the female member A beyond the axial surface 94. The rear tubular wall 96 covers the groove 62 and a rear outer shoulder 53 of the body 40 in each of the configurations of the female element A during the operation of the connection R. The rear tubular wall 96 thus provides a protection of the locking ring 100 and the piston 120 vis-à-vis external pollution which could in particular disrupting the sliding of the piston 120. The locking ring 90 forms a control ring, because its movement controls the release of the locking balls 60 for coupling and uncoupling of the coupling.

Selon un mode de réalisation non représenté de l'invention, l'élément de femelle de raccord A peut ne pas comprendre de poussoir 142. Dans ce cas, le ressort 140 agit directement sur l'anneau de blocage 100, qui peut comprendre à cet effet un méplat perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal du ressort 140.According to a not shown embodiment of the invention, the connecting female element A may not include a pusher 142. In this case, the spring 140 acts directly on the locking ring 100, which may comprise effect a flat perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spring 140.

Dans les modes de réalisation qui suivent, les éléments communs au premier mode de réalisation portent les mêmes références et fonctionnent de la même manière. Seules les différences par rapport au premier mode de réalisation sont décrites ci-après.In the embodiments that follow, the elements common to the first embodiment have the same references and function in the same way. Only the differences with respect to the first embodiment are described below.

Un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention est représenté sur la figure 7. Ce mode de réalisation diffère du mode de réalisation des figures 1 à 6 par le fait que les organes de verrouillage de l'élément mâle B dans l'élément femelle A ne sont pas des billes 60 mais des doigts 70 logés dans des logements cylindriques 72 du corps 40 inclinés par rapport à l'axe X-X' et inclinés par rapport à une direction radiale à l'axe X-X'. Une extrémité des doigts 70 située du côté de l'axe X-X' est adaptée pour s'engager dans la gorge 15 d'un élément mâle B en configuration accouplée du raccord R. L'élément femelle A comprend une bague externe 150 qui entoure une bague interne 160 dans laquelle sont partiellement logés les doigts 70 et qui recouvre également la rainure 62 et l'épaulement arrière externe 53 pour protéger l'anneau de blocage 100 et le piston 120 contre les pollutions extérieures dans toutes les positions de la bague externe 150 au cours du fonctionnement. Le fonctionnement des doigts 70 et les éléments qui interagissent entre la bague interne 160 et les doigts 70 sont décrits dans le brevet EP-B-1 862 720 . En particulier, pour désaccoupler le raccord, la bague externe 150 est déplacée vers l'arrière d'une première position, illustrée en figure 7, dans laquelle les doigts 70 sont maintenus entre l'élément mâle B et les logements cylindriques 72 en position de verrouillage avec la bague interne 160 en position avant, jusqu'à une seconde position non représentée, dans laquelle la bague externe 150 a entraîné la bague interne 160 en position arrière, et donc les doigts 70 en position de déverrouillage. De la même façon que dans le premier mode de réalisation, la bague interne 160 est bloquée en translation vers l'arrière dans sa position avant par l'anneau de blocage 100 qui s'oppose à une surface axiale arrière 161 de la bague interne 160, ce qui empêche la connexion et la déconnexion lorsque la pression du fluide dans le canal arrière 48 est supérieure à la pression de sécurité. La bague interne 160 joue le rôle de bague de commande dans la mesure où le déplacement de la bague interne 160 vers l'arrière commande l'accouplement et le désaccouplement du raccord.A second embodiment of the invention is shown on the figure 7 . This embodiment differs from the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 6 in that the locking members of the male element B in the female element A are not balls 60 but fingers 70 housed in cylindrical housings 72 of the body 40 inclined relative to the axis XX 'and inclined with respect to a radial direction at the X-X 'axis. One end of the fingers 70 located on the side of the axis XX 'is adapted to engage in the groove 15 of a male element B in coupled configuration of the connector R. The female element A comprises an outer ring 150 which surrounds a internal ring 160 in which are partially housed the fingers 70 and which also covers the groove 62 and the outer rear shoulder 53 to protect the locking ring 100 and the piston 120 against external pollution in all the positions of the outer ring 150 during operation. The operation of the fingers 70 and the elements that interact between the inner ring 160 and the fingers 70 are described in the patent. EP-B-1 862 720 . In particular, to uncouple the coupling, the outer ring 150 is moved backwards by a first position, illustrated in FIG. figure 7 , in which the fingers 70 are held between the male element B and the cylindrical housings 72 in the locking position with the inner ring 160 in the forward position, up to a second position not shown, wherein the outer ring 150 has driven the inner ring 160 in the rear position, and thus the fingers 70 in the unlocked position. In the same way as in the first embodiment, the inner ring 160 is locked in translation backwards in its forward position by the locking ring 100 which opposes a rear axial surface 161 of the inner ring 160. which prevents connection and disconnection when the fluid pressure in the rear channel 48 is greater than the safety pressure. The inner ring 160 acts as a control ring to the extent that the movement of the inner ring 160 rearwardly controls the coupling and uncoupling of the coupling.

En variante non représentée, la bague externe 150 peut être bloquée en translation dans sa première position avant par l'anneau de blocage 100 à la place de la bague interne 160, ce qui empêche la déconnexion sous une pression supérieure à la pression de sécurité. La bague externe 150 joue le rôle de bague de commande dans la mesure où le déplacement de la bague externe 150 vers l'arrière commande le désaccouplement du raccord.In variant not shown, the outer ring 150 can be locked in translation in its first forward position by the locking ring 100 in place of the inner ring 160, which prevents disconnection under a pressure greater than the safety pressure. The outer ring 150 acts as a control ring to the extent that the displacement of the outer ring 150 to the rear controls the uncoupling of the connector.

L'invention a donc pour but de bloquer le déplacement d'une bague de commande de l'élément de raccord lorsque ce déplacement autorise le désaccouplement du raccord même si cette bague de commande ne coopère pas directement avec les organes de verrouillage en position de verrouillage et/ou en position de déverrouillage. En variante non représentée, l'organe de blocage forme obstacle au déplacement de la bague de commande, sur sa course de désaccouplement, entre sa première position et sa seconde position , de manière que les organes de verrouillage ne puissent atteindre leur position de déverrouillage Dans ce cas, une certaine course vers sa seconde position est autorisée à la bague de commande, cette course étant insuffisante pour libérer les organes de verrouillage et permettre le désaccouplement du raccord.The purpose of the invention is therefore to block the movement of a control ring of the coupling element when this movement allows the coupling to be disconnected even if this control ring does not cooperate directly with the locking members in the locked position. and / or in the unlocking position. In variant not shown, the locking member forms an obstacle to the displacement of the control ring, on its uncoupling stroke, between its first position and its second position, so that the locking members can not reach their unlocking position. in this case, a certain stroke towards its second position is authorized at the control ring, this stroke being insufficient to release the locking members and allow the coupling to be uncoupled.

Selon des modes de réalisation non représentés, les organes de verrouillage de l'élément mâle B dans l'élément femelle A peuvent également être des griffes de verrouillage, ou des doigts sphériques selon EP-B-2 278 205 .According to embodiments not shown, the locking members of the male element B in the female element A may also be locking claws, or spherical fingers according to EP-B-2 278 205 .

Un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention est représenté sur la figure 8. Ce mode de réalisation diffère du mode de réalisation des figures 1 à 6 par le fait que l'élément femelle A ne comporte dans ce cas pas d'anneau de blocage 100. La surface active 122 du piston 120, sur laquelle s'exerce l'action du fluide sous pression dans le canal arrière 48, est de forme annulaire et mobile dans le logement 64. Une tige de transmission 126 traverse le canal arrière 48 selon la direction Y-Y' et se termine dans le logement 66 par une rondelle d'extrémité 128. La tige 126 s'étend jusqu'au centre de la surface active 122. La rondelle d'extrémité 128 a un diamètre équivalent au diamètre du logement 66. Le ressort 140, en appui dans le logement 66, s'appuie sur la rondelle d'extrémité 128 pour exercer l'effort de rappel F140. Le logement 66 est ici relié au canal arrière 48 par une embouchure cylindrique 67, et l'étanchéité du logement 66 par rapport au canal arrière 48 est réalisée par un joint torique 68 disposé entre l'embouchure 67 et la tige 126.A third embodiment of the invention is shown on the figure 8 . This embodiment differs from the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 6 in that the female element A does not in this case comprise a locking ring 100. The active surface 122 of the piston 120, on which the action of the fluid under pressure in the rear channel 48 is exerted, is annular shape and movable in the housing 64. A transmission rod 126 passes through the rear channel 48 in the direction YY 'and ends in the housing 66 by an end washer 128. The rod 126 extends to the center of the active surface 122. The end washer 128 has a diameter equivalent to the diameter of the housing 66. The spring 140, bearing in the housing 66, is supported on the end washer 128 to exert the biasing force F140. The housing 66 is here connected to the rear channel 48 by a cylindrical mouth 67, and the sealing of the housing 66 with respect to the rear channel 48 is provided by an O-ring 68 disposed between the mouth 67 and the rod 126.

Dans ce mode de réalisation, l'organe de blocage est formé par le piston 120, dont une extrémité externe 130 qui dépasse radialement à l'extérieur du corps 40, lorsque le piston 120 est déplacé et maintenu en position externe par la pression de fluide dans le conduit de circulation de l'élément femelle A, s'oppose à la translation vers l'arrière de la bague de verrouillage 90. Dans ce cas, le contact entre le piston 120 et la bague 90 se fait selon une ligne de contact. En variante, le piston 120 peut présenter une surface latérale pour un contact surfacique avec la bague 90.In this embodiment, the locking member is formed by the piston 120, an outer end 130 which protrudes radially outside the body 40, when the piston 120 is moved and held in the external position by the fluid pressure. in the circulation duct of the female element A, opposes the translation towards the rear of the locking ring 90. In this case, the contact between the piston 120 and the ring 90 is in a nip . Alternatively, the piston 120 may have a lateral surface for surface contact with the ring 90.

La tige 126 et la rondelle d'extrémité 128, monoblocs avec le piston 120, forment des moyens de transmission de l'effort de rappel F140 au piston 120.The rod 126 and the end washer 128, integral with the piston 120, form means for transmitting the biasing force F140 to the piston 120.

Comme la pièce comprenant le piston 120, la tige de transmission 126 et la rondelle de transmission 128 a une longueur supérieure à celle du piston 120 seul suivant la direction Y-Y', l'effort de flexion engendré par d'éventuels efforts de la bague de verrouillage 90 vers l'arrière sur le piston 120 en position externe est réduit. Le guidage linéaire du piston 120 est amélioré, ce qui permet de réduire les risques de fuite entre le piston 120 et le corps 40 au niveau du joint 123.As the part comprising the piston 120, the transmission rod 126 and the transmission washer 128 has a length greater than that of the piston 120 alone in the Y-Y 'direction, the bending force generated by possible forces of the locking ring 90 backward on the piston 120 in the outer position is reduced. The linear guide of the piston 120 is improved, which reduces the risk of leakage between the piston 120 and the body 40 at the seal 123.

Selon un mode de réalisation non représenté, le piston traversant le canal arrière 48 décrit à la figure 8 peut être associé à un anneau de blocage similaire à l'anneau de blocage 100, monté à l'extérieur du corps 40 et adapté pour assurer le blocage de la bague de verrouillage 90. Dans ce cas, l'anneau de blocage n'assure pas la transmission de l'effort de rappel F140 entre le ressort 140 et le piston 120, puisque le ressort 140 s'appuie sur la rondelle 128 mais est apte à assurer un blocage de type surfacique de la bague de verrouillage pour empêcher sa manoeuvre de désaccouplement. Le mouvement de l'anneau de blocage 100 est solidaire du mouvement du piston 120 dans la direction Y-Y' aux jeux radiaux près.According to a not shown embodiment, the piston traversing the rear channel 48 described in FIG. figure 8 can be associated with a locking ring similar to the locking ring 100, mounted outside the body 40 and adapted to ensure the locking of the locking ring 90. In this case, the locking ring does not provide not the transmission of the biasing force F140 between the spring 140 and the piston 120, since the spring 140 rests on the washer 128 but is able to ensure a surface-type locking of the locking ring to prevent its maneuver from uncoupling. The movement of the locking ring 100 is integral with the movement of the piston 120 in the direction YY 'radial clearance near.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation non représenté de l'invention, l'élément femelle A peut comprendre plusieurs ressorts de rappel disposés chacun dans un logement du corps isolé de manière étanche du conduit de circulation 400. Les logements de ces ressorts sont de préférence parallèles au logement du piston 120 de manière à garantir des efforts de rappel parallèles à la force de pression Fp exercée sur le piston 120. Dans ce cas, les moyens de transmission de l'effort de rappel entre les ressorts et le piston 120 peuvent comprendre une pièce en forme de U, disposée autour du corps 40 et suffisamment rigide pour transmettre l'effort de rappel F140 au piston 120 et l'organe de blocage peut être constitué par une extrémité externe du piston 120. L'élément femelle A peut notamment comprendre deux ressorts exerçant chacun un effort sur l'une des branches du U, tandis que l'effort de rappel est transmis au piston en contact avec la partie centrale arrondie du U.According to another embodiment not shown of the invention, the female element A may comprise a plurality of return springs each disposed in a housing of the sealed body of the flow conduit 400. The housing of these springs are preferably parallel to the housing of the piston 120 so as to ensure return forces parallel to the pressure force Fp exerted on the piston 120. In in this case, the means for transmitting the return force between the springs and the piston 120 may comprise a U-shaped piece disposed around the body 40 and sufficiently rigid to transmit the biasing force F140 to the piston 120 and the blocking member may be constituted by an outer end of the piston 120. The female element A may include two springs each exerting a force on one of the branches of the U, while the return force is transmitted to the piston in contact with the rounded central part of the U.

En variante non représentée, plusieurs pistons comme le piston 120 peuvent agir sur un unique organe de blocage de type anneau.In variant not shown, several pistons such as the piston 120 can act on a single ring-type locking member.

Dans tous les modes de réalisation, le ressort de rappel 140 du piston 120 en position interne est disposé intégralement dans un logement 66 qui est isolé fluidiquement du conduit 400 de circulation de fluide, ce qui garantit que le comportement du ressort 140 n'est pas perturbé par l'écoulement et par la pression du fluide dans l'élément de raccord, et donc fiabilise la détection d'une pression de sécurité.In all embodiments, the return spring 140 of the piston 120 in the internal position is disposed integrally in a housing 66 which is fluidly isolated from the fluid circulation conduit 400, which ensures that the behavior of the spring 140 is not disturbed by the flow and by the pressure of the fluid in the coupling element, and thus makes reliable the detection of a safety pressure.

Selon un mode de réalisation non représenté de l'invention, le mouvement de la bague de commande qui entraîne le déverrouillage du raccord peut s'effectuer de l'arrière vers l'avant, au lieu de s'effectuer de l'avant vers l'arrière. Dans ce cas, la première position de la bague de commande est une position arrière, alors que la seconde position est une position avant.According to a not shown embodiment of the invention, the movement of the control ring which causes the unlocking of the connection can be made from the rear towards the front, instead of being carried forward to the 'back. In this case, the first position of the control ring is a rear position, while the second position is a front position.

Les caractéristiques des modes de réalisation et variantes décrits ci-dessus peuvent être combinées dans le cadre de la présente invention.The features of the embodiments and variants described above may be combined within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (15)

Elément (A) femelle de raccord rapide (R), pour la jonction de deux canalisations de fluide sous pression, cet élément femelle (A) de raccord étant apte à coopérer, selon un axe longitudinal (X-X') de l'élément femelle (A), avec un élément mâle (B) complémentaire de raccord, l'élément femelle (A) de raccord comprenant : - un corps (40) traversé par un conduit (400) de circulation de fluide, - au moins un organe de verrouillage (60 ; 70) mobile entre une position de verrouillage de l'élément mâle (B) par rapport au corps (40) de l'élément femelle (A) de raccord dans une configuration accouplée du raccord (R), et une position de déverrouillage, dans laquelle les éléments femelle et mâle (A, B) de raccord (R) peuvent être désaccouplés, - une bague de commande (90 ; 150 ; 160) mobile en translation selon l'axe longitudinal (X-X') entre une première position dans laquelle chaque organe de verrouillage (60 ; 70) est maintenu dans sa position de verrouillage, et une seconde position, dans laquelle chaque organe de verrouillage (60 ; 70) est apte à se déplacer dans sa position de déverrouillage, - un piston (120) comprenant une surface active (122) en contact fluidique avec ledit conduit (400) et étant mobile de manière étanche dans un logement (64) traversant le corps (40) selon une direction transversale (Y-Y') depuis le conduit (400) de circulation de fluide vers l'extérieur du corps (40), le piston (120) s'étendant à partir de la surface active (122) à l'opposé du conduit (400) de circulation de fluide, - un organe (100 ; 130) de blocage dont le mouvement parallèlement à la direction transversale (Y-Y') est solidaire du mouvement du piston (120), - le piston (120) étant mobile depuis une position interne, dans laquelle l'organe de blocage (100 ; 300) ne bloque pas le mouvement de la bague de commande (90 ; 150 ; 160), vers une position externe dans laquelle l'organe de blocage (100 ; 130) empêche la translation de la bague de commande (90 ; 150 ; 160) jusqu'à sa seconde position, - au moins un élément de rappel élastique (140) du piston (120) vers sa position interne, caractérisé en ce que - l'élément de rappel élastique (140) est monté dans un logement (66) du corps (40) de l'élément femelle (A) de raccord situé hors du logement (64) du piston (120), le logement (66) de l'élément de rappel élastique (140) étant isolé fluidiquement du conduit (400) de circulation de fluide, et - l'élément femelle (A) de raccord comprend des moyens (100 ; 126) de transmission, disposés entre l'élément de rappel (140) et le piston (120), pour rappeler le piston (120) vers sa position interne. Element (A) female quick coupling (R), for the joining of two pipes of fluid under pressure, this female element (A) of connection being adapted to cooperate along a longitudinal axis (X-X ') of the element female (A), with a male element (B) complementary coupling, the female element (A) coupling comprising: a body (40) traversed by a conduit (400) for fluid circulation, at least one locking member (60; 70) movable between a locking position of the male element (B) with respect to the body (40) of the connecting female element (A) in a coupled configuration of the coupling ( R), and an unlocking position, in which the female and male elements (A, B) of connection (R) can be uncoupled, - a control ring (90; 150; 160) movable in translation along the longitudinal axis (X-X ') between a first position in which each locking member (60; 70) is held in its locking position, and a second position, in which each locking member (60; 70) is able to move in its unlocking position, a piston (120) comprising an active surface (122) in fluidic contact with said conduit (400) and being sealingly movable in a housing (64) passing through the body (40) in a transverse direction (Y-Y ') from the fluid flow conduit (400) outwardly of the body (40), the piston (120) extending from the active surface (122) away from the fluid flow conduit (400) , a locking member (100; 130) whose movement parallel to the transverse direction (Y-Y ') is integral with the movement of the piston (120), the piston (120) being movable from an internal position, in which the locking member (100; 300) does not block the movement of the control ring (90; 150; 160) towards an external position in which the blocking member (100; 130) prevents translation of the control ring (90; 150; 160) to its second position; at least one elastic return element (140) of the piston (120) towards its internal position, characterized in that the elastic return element (140) is mounted in a housing (66) of the body (40) of the connecting female element (A) located outside the piston housing (64) (120), the housing (66) of the resilient biasing member (140) being fluidly isolated from the fluid flow conduit (400), and the connecting female element (A) comprises transmission means (100; 126), arranged between the return element (140) and the piston (120), for biasing the piston (120) towards its internal position. Elément femelle de raccord rapide selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le logement (66) de l'élément de rappel élastique (140) est ménagé dans le corps (40) à l'opposé du logement (64) du piston (120) par rapport à l'axe longitudinal (X-X').Female quick coupling element according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (66) of the elastic return element (140) is formed in the body (40) opposite the housing (64) of the piston (120). ) with respect to the longitudinal axis (X-X '). Elément femelle de raccord rapide selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de blocage (100) comprend une surface latérale (104) adaptée pour recevoir en appui surfacique, selon l'axe longitudinal (X-X') de l'élément femelle (A) de raccord, une surface axiale (94 ; 161) de la bague de commande (90 ; 150 ; 160).Quick coupling female element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking member (100) comprises a lateral surface (104) adapted to receive a surface bearing along the longitudinal axis (X-X '). of the female connecting member (A), an axial surface (94; 161) of the control ring (90; 150; 160). Elément femelle de raccord rapide selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de transmission (100) sont montés à l'extérieur du corps (40) de l'élément femelle (A) de raccord.Female quick coupling element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transmission means (100) are mounted outside the body (40) of the connecting female element (A). Elément femelle de raccord rapide selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de blocage est un anneau rigide (100) entourant le corps (40) et le piston (120).Quick coupling female element according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the locking member is a rigid ring (100) surrounding the body (40) and the piston (120). Elément femelle de raccord rapide selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une rainure (62), ménagée dans une surface externe (402) du corps (40), dans laquelle débouche le logement (64) du piston (120), et adaptée pour guider l'anneau de blocage (100) selon la direction transversale (Y-Y') de l'élément femelle (A) de raccord.Female quick coupling element according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a groove (62) formed in an outer surface (402) of the body (40) into which the housing (64) of the piston (120) opens and adapted to guide the locking ring (100) in the transverse direction (Y-Y ') of the connecting female member (A). Elément femelle de raccord rapide selon l'une des revendications 5 à 6, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de transmission sont formés par l'anneau de blocage (100).Female quick coupling element according to one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that said transmission means are formed by the locking ring (100). Elément femelle de raccord rapide selon la revendication 7, caractérisée en ce qu'il comprend un poussoir (142) disposé entre l'élément de rappel élastique (140) et l'anneau de blocage (100).Female quick-connect element according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a pusher (142) disposed between the elastic return element (140) and the locking ring (100). Elément femelle de raccord rapide selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que le poussoir (142) et/ou le piston (120) comprennent une surface externe (144, 124) curviligne adaptée pour coopérer avec une surface cylindrique interne (102) de l'anneau de blocage (100), et en ce que le rayon de courbure de la surface externe curviligne (144,124) du poussoir (142) et/ou du piston (120), est sensiblement égal au rayon de courbure de la surface cylindrique interne (102) de l'anneau de blocage (100).Female quick coupling element according to claim 8, characterized in that the pusher (142) and / or the piston (120) comprise a curvilinear outer surface (144, 124) adapted to cooperate with an inner cylindrical surface (102) of the locking ring (100), and in that the radius of curvature of the curvilinear outer surface (144,124) of the pusher (142) and / or the piston (120) is substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the inner cylindrical surface (102) of the locking ring (100). Elément femelle de raccord rapide selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3 ou 5 ou 6, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de transmission comprennent une tige (126) s'étendant dans le logement (66) de l'élément de rappel élastique (140) jusqu'au piston (120) à travers le conduit (400) de circulation de fluide.Quick coupling female element according to one of Claims 1 to 3 or 5 or 6, characterized in that said transmission means comprise a rod (126) extending into the housing (66) of the elastic return element ( 140) to the piston (120) through the fluid flow conduit (400). Elément femelle de raccord rapide selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de blocage est une extrémité externe (130) du piston (120) adaptée pour coopérer, selon l'axe longitudinal (X-X') de l'élément femelle (A) de raccord, avec une surface axiale (94 ; 161) de la bague de commande (90 ; 150 ; 160).Female quick coupling element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking member is an outer end (130) of the piston (120) adapted to cooperate along the longitudinal axis (X-X ' ) of the female connecting member (A), with an axial surface (94; 161) of the control ring (90; 150; 160). Elément femelle de raccord rapide selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de blocage (100) est adapté pour coopérer avec une surface axiale (94) de la bague de commande (90 ; 150 ; 160) lorsque ladite bague (90 ; 150 ; 160) est dans sa première position.Female quick coupling element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking member (100) is adapted to cooperate with an axial surface (94) of the control ring (90; 150; 160) when said ring (90; 150; 160) is in its first position. Elément femelle de raccord rapide selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le corps (40) forme un épaulement externe (53) en arrière du logement (64) du piston (120) et en ce qu'une bague (90 ; 150 ; 160) externe au corps (40) recouvre radialement l'organe de blocage (100) et l'épaulement externe (53) en configurations accouplée et désaccouplée du raccord (R) ainsi que pendant la manoeuvre d'accouplement et de désaccouplement du raccord (R).Female quick coupling element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (40) forms an outer shoulder (53) behind the housing (64) of the piston (120) and in that a ring (90) 150; 160) external to the body (40) radially covers the locking member (100) and the outer shoulder (53) in coupled and uncoupled configurations of the coupling (R) and during the coupling and uncoupling operation fitting (R). Elément femelle de raccord rapide selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une soupape (50) d'obturation du conduit (400).Quick coupling female element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a valve (50) for closing the pipe (400). Raccord rapide (R) pour la jonction de deux canalisations de fluide sous pression comprenant un élément femelle (A) de raccord selon l'une des revendications précédentes et un élément mâle (B) de raccord complémentaire.Quick coupling (R) for the joining of two pressurized fluid lines comprising a female connector element (A) according to one of the preceding claims and a male element (B) of complementary coupling.
EP14158815.2A 2013-03-12 2014-03-11 Female quick-connection element and quick connection including such a female element Active EP2778494B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1352202A FR3003331B1 (en) 2013-03-12 2013-03-12 RAPID COUPLING FEMALE ELEMENT AND RAPID CONNECTION INCLUDING SUCH FEMALE ELEMENT

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2778494A1 true EP2778494A1 (en) 2014-09-17
EP2778494B1 EP2778494B1 (en) 2016-07-20

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EP14158815.2A Active EP2778494B1 (en) 2013-03-12 2014-03-11 Female quick-connection element and quick connection including such a female element

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US (1) US9528650B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2778494B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6285224B2 (en)
CN (1) CN104048128B (en)
CA (1) CA2845060C (en)
ES (1) ES2588654T3 (en)
FR (1) FR3003331B1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP6285224B2 (en) 2018-02-28
EP2778494B1 (en) 2016-07-20
CN104048128B (en) 2018-01-26
JP2014185773A (en) 2014-10-02
US9528650B2 (en) 2016-12-27
US20140264118A1 (en) 2014-09-18
FR3003331A1 (en) 2014-09-19
FR3003331B1 (en) 2015-09-18
ES2588654T3 (en) 2016-11-03
CA2845060C (en) 2021-01-12
CN104048128A (en) 2014-09-17
CA2845060A1 (en) 2014-09-12

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